Space: 2022 - Buzzards and Condors

Part One: A Visit to the Breaker's Yard

A bit of back pedaling this time, primarily for Episodes 2 & 3.  (You can review the earlier post which better synopses those episodes but it really isn't necessary).  Tonight we focus on the Buzzard, or its demise, as they were all decommissioned in Episode One after the "Icarus Incident".  Just to remind you, here is what the Buzzard looked like, the hero model from "Space: 2019"...

It was OK I guess...  But I never felt it was complete or practical, and it now looks unfinished & simplistic next to the PHOENIX.  So rather than build a new model, I decided to live up to the name of this blog and do a complete refit/rebuild in 1/96 scale.  Nuclear waste was now going to be transported for solar disposal by the Condor, a heavy space tug (which will figure prominently in Season Three, but that's for another post in the future.  Before I go into the conversion process, here is the end result....

At least the stand is still original!  I began tearing down the model for a few evenings, keeping all the  bits for some future project (there were a lot of Kinder Eggs on that hull!).  I got rid of the rear drive unit, and replaced it with heavy engines on the main ship.  It's actually an idea I had had for some time, as some of you out there may see the influence, the Taiidan Resource Collector from the PC game "Homeworld".  Also the story brief called for increased waste capacity, so I added many varied sized cannisters the main cargo unit.  A few weeks later, the revised model was in its raw state.

The primary hull is essentially the same with new greeblies added, and an external airlock.  I used many of my new favourite greeble.  (At recent model show, I acquired a big box of "still in bag" individual tank treads sections, about six varieties.  I'll be using these for quite some time...)  It was also extended to accommodate the new engines and docking clamps.  (That blue bit is actually the neck off a water bottle; nice it had some textures and was the same diameter as the main hull).  The two clamps are salvaged from the PHOENIX, as they were left overs from that build.  For the drive engines, I had had the idea for quite a bit, the solution being some kiddee binoculars from the good old dollar store.  I glued textured lids at each end, plus other boosters, deflectors, more eggs, and greeblies.  I also found a solution to add extra cannisters to the cargo hull.

A total of 34 "bottles" of various sizes, meant to convey hurried exporting of waste from several sources.  It may be more than just nuclear waste this time.  (Further down is a more detailed description of the cannisters...).  The ten largest bottles (recycled vitamin bottles) will be attached to those dowel plugs on the side.  The other 24 random cannisters (made from assorted plastic containers) are to be secured to the new truss work on the curved portion of the cargo hull.  (In the series, these racks are built by the Thule Company of Sweden.  As these "roof racks" are now the largest and farthest travelled of any previous roof rack, they are known as the "Ultima Thule".  But Easter Eggs aside, it was now Prime Time...

This process took a lot more time than usual; several coats and many rattlers emptied.  The spray booth got quite the workout and clogged the filter nicely.  I wanted to keep an industrial look to the cargo unit, as it was designed for one way use, so why paint it unnecessarily?  But a little colour isn't bad either as I wanted to give it a container ship vibe.  I used various shades and brands of red oxide for subtle differences on the cannisters, and some muted colours for the some of the other smaller bottles.    

Each cannister has a snap fastener on the lid to indicate a safety valve.  That upper ring on the largest cannisters are actually industrial paper towel ends, which I have used many times.  

The tug and cargo basic painting is completed, so the next step being graphics and weathering.  Some of you out there may be curious about my colour choices, specifically for the Condor.  I was going to do the traditional greys or whites as in all space shows, but this being a utility vehicle, I had second thoughts.  The key was a few photos of the original Nostromo from "Alien" in the book, "Sir Martin Bower's World of Models".  It was a nice yellow-green, and would have been a nice change, but Ridley thought otherwise.   Some Sir Chris Foss illustrations helped with the decision too!  But before I got to the above, I wanted to tackle the containers.

Doing the weathering and graphics on these 34 parts took the longest.  I made up the graphics on the computer and printed them off.  Various types of checkerboard stripes and assorted warning labels were then applied, again keeping the cannisters a little more individualistic and varied.  Because of the different types of paints used, the water and/or alcohol washes did not work.  I had to return to my old fall back of shaved pastels and pigments.  The same thing happened on the tug and payload; had to resort to pigments too.  (I find it odd that Vallejo washes would not work on Vallejo paints?).  Finished off the tug and payload with graphics and did the final assembly.

The tug is secured to the payload by a brass rod, but it is not permanent as they can be separated for photos and future payloads for the Condor to haul about the solar system in Season Three as previously mentioned.

The total model is 33" long (so at 1/96 that translates to 264' or 80m).  The width being 14" (112'/34m), and height at 6" (48'/15m).  (Problem with these things is where to put them after building; I never learn...).  The payload has a separate length of 22" (176'/54m).  The independent tug model is 12" long (96'/29m), x 7.5" (60'/18m) x 4.5" (36'/11m) high.  

The Condor now has a crew of four, up one from the three of the Buzzards.  Three pilots on rotational duty with a "spare" in the boot.  All personnel are currently military, armed and trained in space combat.  The tug is zero-G, and the round trip from lunar orbit to the drop off point in Mercury orbit is now two months.  The ship is also equipped with lasers both on the tug and payload.  Taking no chances this time....

The four yellow tanks at the end of the payload are thrusters to send the payload into the sun once the tug disengages from the payload in Mercury (or equal distance) orbit.  The same-sized grey tanks are, in fact, nuclear devices (classified, as to why they are not marked as such) in case the payload is threatened,  defective, or does not sun dive as planned.  Can't let this flying bomb fall into the wrong hands again...

The tug disengages from the payload by releasing the main two clamps and some smaller assorted magnetic clamps.  Unfortunately this leaves both ends open.  So I constructed two small "plugs" to fill the hole, held in place by friction.  

The small booster deflectors on the main engines have an interesting back story.  The four larger ones are just spoon ends, but I needed something smaller for the side boosters.  The solution presented itself in the cosmetic aisle of the good ole dollar store.  A pack of plastic fake finger nails!  You get ten in a pack, they are durable and come in 5 sizes.  For some reason the wife didn't accompany me to the check out that day...

As you have seen from other posts in this Blog, another one of my hobbies is 00 gauge British trains.  I decided to add some elements of that in the scenario of the show/concept.  The double red diamond is the graphic for Railfreight Distribution (I couldn't find one for radio active waste...).  And in keeping with British tradition, all Condors will have nice shiny nameplates.  Although this particular one is C-XV92 (XV being Experimental Vehicle), it will have a proper name.  This one is officially known as "The Town of Walsall".  (All Condor class tugs are named after cities and towns)

The payload is just basically a cluster of containers around a central tube (which itself is full of radio active rubbish.  It is accessed by that big rear door).  As I stated, I wanted that container ship feel, and if you are interested, here are the specs of the individual cannisters.

There are currently four types of cannister: A, B, C, and D.  Mostly used for radio active waste of various kinds, other harmful elements and chemicals are now being packaged and sent for that one way cruise to the sun.  The photo below shows the containers and capacity.  (Have I possibly over thought this ..?).  Dimensions of individual containers available upon request if you need to get rid of anything...

Oh well, I'll just make sure there are no holes in the plot!  If you look closely on the "roof" of the payload, you should be able to make out the two heavy lasers.  These remain with the cargo even after the tug has let it fly.  Once it is on course for the sun, it will defend against any potential threat.  If the lasers don't work, the bombs will!  So to all crews out there, make sure you haven't left any of your stuff behind!

So that is the Condor and how it came to be.  At least I'll be able to utilize it out for later scenarios when I get around to building new payloads and integrating them into Season Three.  (I already have a few made in virtual...).  We now move on to Part Two, how and when the Condor was used in the early episodes of "Space: 2022", Season Two!

Part Two: Shorts, Vignettes & Montages

S02-E02 - "Phoenix Ascending"

As you may remember, this episode dealt several topics over the three years after the BZ-14 crashed in Northern Minnesota.  The aftermath and cleanup of the crash, government edicts, decommissioning the Buzzards, the creation of the Condor fleet, and construction of the PHOENIX.  Despite the effort that went into the revised model, it's screen time was minimal with just a brief 30 second shot and voice over narration.  (FYI, Brian Blessed did all the narration for this episode as he was at Pinewood doing Episode 04 at the time...).  Here, the Condor is on its maiden voyage for the first of many dump runs.  The ship is presently passing Venus....

And then as it flies by, we segue into a reverse angle as it approaches Mercury, ready to dump the payload into the Sun.  (Ever wonder why when ships traverse the solar system they always pass the planets in order and in a straight line?  Just askin'....).

And that was the extent of the models' appearance for this episode.  Guess there was only 50 minutes to cover a lot of plot elements and history!  The next appearance, albeit brief again, are in the following episode.

S02-E03 - "Journey to Where"

The PHOENIX was the star of this episode, so the Condors input was minimal.  Early in Act One, there is an impressive multiple composite effects shot of the PHOENIX being escorted to the launch point by an armada of Eagles, plus a loaded Condor and even an individual tug.  

Looks a bit like "Battlestar Galactica", but that show hasn't been made yet!  Anyway, that wraps it up for the Condors' involvement in Season Two.  You'll just have to wait for Season Three, a limited series just starting production about space truckers called "Cargo: 2023" (formerly "Star Lorries"; that title wouldn't have worked in the States...)

In closing, here is another ego boost shot of me cradling the model, thinking mostly of where am I going to put it after this...

Have a better one!

Space: 2022 - Episode Four

 

This post is first in a new feature whereas a specific episode will be showcased for a distinct reason, either for a guest miniature, story arc turning point, or in this case, the addition of a new cast member (and new miniature!), which will change the dynamic of the stories from this point on.  So stand by for a plethora of plot contrivances, Deus Ex Machina, and merciless rewrites of Year Two episodes!

As you may remember, we left the PHOENIX and battered crew in deep space after the unfortunate encounter with a proton storm (it's not safe out here...).  Badly damaged and limping through space, VICTOR detects an alien planet nearby.  The ship heads for the new planet with hopes of finding materials and minerals (especially titanium) to make repairs to the ship.

Bill Fraser and Co-pilot Ray Torens head down in Dove 01 and encounter an inhospitable planet with volcanoes and quakes, but no life.  As luck would have it, large quantities of titanium are detected, and Dove 01 heads back to the ship for more equipment and some navvies to do the heavy lifting.  Suddenly, a large ball of green light appears and engulfs the ship, reverses and returns to the planet.  Guess it wasn't uninhabited after all!

Alan initiates Red Alert and all weapons are charged.  How can anything live down there?  Suddenly, a loud booming voice breaks the silence.  "Commander Carter!".  The volume is lowered on the speakers and a large bearded man appears on the main screen.  It is Mentor Blessed, the sole inhabitant of the planet "Psychon".  After some discussion,  an exchange will take place in orbit.  First returning the first two pilots,  and then negotiating for the minerals required.  Alan commands Dove 02, with Koenig along for support, Helena for any medical needs, and Science Officer Picard (no relation..) for mineral advice.  But no one has seen the lioness behind him.  The big cat transforms into a young woman; she is a shape shifter and Mentor's daughter!  Back on the PHOENIX, the five board the Dove and set off for the planet.  In near orbit, a ship appears...

VICTOR scans the ship, but there are no life signs aboard.  It's a trap!  Mentor's ship, using magnetic energy, begins to drag the Dove down to the surface.  Alan hits the boosters but no effect.  As G forces increase, Alan tries a short burst of the Queller drive and they escape.  Safety is short lived as Mentor's ship has turned into a glowing green energy ball and engulfs the Dove as before.  The green ball descends and lands amongst some volcanoes.  But as the light dissipates, the captives realise they are in a kind of spaceship graveyard, made up of assorted Year One ships turned upside down.  They also see Dove 01 on the other side of the crater.  

Mentor tries his word tricks again, and they cannot contact the ship.  A cave is nearby so they disembark and head for entrance.  Meanwhile, Toren's is having his psychic energy extracted into Mentor's computer "Psyche".  He hopes to exploit this energy to rejuvenate the planet.  Meanwhile, Alan and the gang are exploring the caves.  They hear tools and find an area full of various humanoid aliens doing unpaid mining.  Torens appears and starts digging as well.  "Some sort of brain damage", says Helena.  Mentor appears as a hologram, and Picard shoots him, but the energy is reflected back and he is vapourized.  Helena screams.  The green ball of light appears again and the remaining four in the landing party are transported to a cell.

Maya, Mentor's daughter, has a chat with Alan; she is naive as to what her Father is up to, using beings as fodder for his evil machine and exploiting the left overs as labour.  Maya takes Alan to Mentor; he has John, Helena, and Fraser hooked up for psychic energy extraction.  Mentor will spare them all if he agrees to bring down the rest of the crew.  He complies, contacts the ship, and orders the crew to leave the ship;  "Directive 4".  No one on the ship knows what that means.  VICTOR does.  It means destroy the origin of the transmission.  With some protests, Tony agrees and Petrov dispatches a Planetomic bomb (they are not supposed to be carrying these...).

Mentor sees the deception, and destroys the missile.  And in kind, sends a few missiles back at them, but luckily Petrov's marksmanship prevails.  Meanwhile, Maya has been talking with the hostages.  They convince her to go to the mines and see what her Father is really up to.  She reluctantly agrees and sees for herself the results of Mentor's work.   Maya then takes Alan and John to Mentor for a final negotiation.  He will not listen so they begin smashing "Psyche".  Unfortunately, this machine is holding the planet together; Pychon starts breaking apart in spectacular miniature pyrotechnics.  Alan, John, Helena, and Bill make a run for the Doves, but Maya will not leave her Father.  Bill takes 01 and the others escape in 02.  The planet explodes and they return to the ship.  Just before they are about to leave, they hear a cry for help.

It is Maya in a strange alien spaceship, the "Psyche".  "Please, I have nowhere to go..."  Alan gives her permission to come aboard and the ship docks at the main airlock, the docking clamps giving her ship a warm, welcoming embrace.  (They never did get any titanium...).

Current Mission Report:

Ship's Complement (109)

Unwilling VIP Passengers (ep03)(added to roster)(+2)

Crew Deaths (ep04) (-2)

Alien Refugee (ep04)(+1)

Revised Complement (110)

"Space:1999" - Year Two, in this twisted 2022 timeline, is ship based rather than set on a rogue moon, so I had to devised an alternate way to get Maya on board that ship.  I borrowed (OK, stole...) the addition of Hawk (and his Hawk Fighter) to the cast/scenario of "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" - Season Two.  Now that Maya has joined the crew as Science Officer, she will also utilize her ship, the "Psyche" when convenient for the plot.  As to the back story of this ship/miniature, please continue.

Building "Psyche"

I wanted Maya's ship to be radically different from the other primary ships, nothing 1999ish or recognizable.  I rummaged through my kit warehouse and found a suitable model from a totally different source.  The 1/550 HG Bandai kit of the MA-06 Val-Walo, a mobile armour from "Gundam 0083". 

Perfect size and very organic!  Of course I could not build it stock out of the box; I had some modifications in mind already.  Since Maya is a metamorph, I thought it would be a good plot device to have her ship able to change appearance as well.  Not by changing mechanically or by molecular re-arrangement, but by using holographic emitters.  To make the emitters, I remembered a Peter Elson painting I had seen (Perry Rhodan - 30 to Arkon book cover) of a craft encrusted with small domes.  Perfect for those emitters...

Built the kit over a few evenings, re-arranging some of the bits, and adding others.  Not going to over the top, as afterall, it has to be filmed...  Final step was adding on various sizes of domes (those plastic pearl things from the good old dollar store craft section) to complete the job.

It would have been easy to overdo the domes.  Luckily restraint prevailed!  After prime time, a final colour had to be chosen.  It's an alien craft, so (by law, somewhere...), it was painted green.

A basic off-the-shelf olive drab really with some highlights and minimal weathering.  Some metallic accents and a few alien-looking decals (ripped from a Macross kit..) completed the job.

That gap is where the cowling can be removed for docking.  I put some magnets inside the ship as well as in that main docking tube with the claws.  So the ship can be held there when not in use; it is permanently berthed there now.  It can hold two people if need be, but somewhat cramped.  And only Maya can operate the ship as it is controlled by her Psychon mind.  Maya can board the "Psyche" in seconds from the Command Module; just a few quick zero-G yoga moves!

Welcome aboard the PHOENIX, Maya!  We'll see what this little ship can do in later episodes to help combat the scores of alien baddies which, as you all know, are omnipresent in deep space!  You never know, it may turn into a hawk!

Have a better one!

Space: 2022 - Building the PHOENIX - Part Seven

 At last, the final part of the ship!  But without it, we won't be going anywhere...  Module G is the Mark VII Queller Drive, used for the intermittent light speed/warps, (42 minute duration) and the standard four fusion drives for cruising.  Another piece with very few standard model parts, the main drive "tank" is made up from the Airfix Saturn V "interstage" piece.  You know the one; that flaming cylinder we have seen to death for 50 plus years, even on "Star Trek"...

I capped the ends with two heat shield pieces and the rest is made up of assorted recycled parts; repurposed Gardenia hose attachments, lids from various sources and dollar store bits.

The classic Kinder Eggs finally make an appearance; I think it is my last four before that redesign, which I do not like.  The main booster is from a large detergent bottle (it also has a smaller one inside), and the four little boosters are from the Airfix kit.  The three fuel tanks are just wooden craft balls.

Acrylic pearls for the smaller tanks near the big booster, somewhat duplicating the Voyager One model from "Voyager's Return".  

Very light with the greeblies on this one.  Just added some left over laser cutting and some of those baby bottle bits.  Included some plant bands by the four tanks as well, used for tomatoes mostly.

It was now prime time, and then the same routine as all the previous other parts.  White base coat, grey accents, IPA weathering, some pigments, and finally graphics.  

Those other little grey tanks were made from tubular styrene and capped with those acrylic pearls (half sphere domes).  And that's the end of the ship!  As I post more episodes, you'll see the amount of abuse this engine is going to take.  Hope the warranty holds out...

And finally, a self promoting narcissistic image of myself holding the completed PHOENIX model, Sir Martin Bower style!  Next time, I'll take a break from the series and tell you of my recent foray into the dark side of modelling, probably never to return...  

Have a better one!